The detailed breakdown of every package in your shipment â helps customs verify contents and is essential for multi-piece or high-value consignments.
A packing list is a document that itemises every package in a shipment, listing the contents, quantity, weight, and dimensions of each box or pallet. Unlike the commercial invoice (which shows values and prices), the packing list is purely logistical â it tells customs officers, carriers, and recipients exactly what is inside each package and how it is packed. While not always legally required for every shipment, a packing list is strongly recommended for all international parcels and essential for multi-piece shipments, sea freight, and air freight. Discrepancies between the commercial invoice and packing list are one of the most common causes of customs delays.
Your invoice number or order reference that links the packing list to the commercial invoice. Must match exactly.
Each box or pallet is numbered (e.g. 1 of 5, 2 of 5). Every label on every package should reference this number.
The specific contents of each individual package. More detailed than the commercial invoice â include product names, model numbers, colours, or sizes.
The number of units inside each specific box. Totals across all packages must match the commercial invoice.
The weight of goods only (excluding packaging) for each package and in total.
The total weight including packaging for each package. Carriers and customs both use gross weight.
Length Ă Width Ă Height in cm for each package. Required for volumetric weight calculation and container planning.
A summary row at the bottom totalling number of packages, total net weight, total gross weight, and total volume (CBM).
Any shipping marks, special handling symbols, or customer reference codes printed on the packages â e.g. 'Handle with care', 'This side up', or buyer PO numbers.
Create one row for each box, carton, or pallet. If five boxes have identical contents, you can group them on one row â but note the quantity of boxes in that row.
Use the same product descriptions as the commercial invoice. Add extra detail where helpful â model numbers, batch codes, or colours. Avoid generic terms like 'goods' or 'merchandise'.
Record the gross weight (with packaging) of each package in kg. Measure length, width, and height in cm. This information is used by carriers for freight charges.
Verify that total quantities and descriptions match the commercial invoice. Any discrepancy will be flagged by customs and cause delays.
Print the packing list and attach it to the outside of each package in a clear document wallet. Include the invoice number on each label so it can be matched.
If the packing list shows 10 units but the commercial invoice shows 12, customs will hold the shipment for investigation. Always cross-check totals before printing.
A packing list should NOT include item prices or total values â those belong on the commercial invoice. Mixing them up creates confusion for customs and carriers.
Without dimensions, carriers cannot calculate volumetric weight accurately, leading to invoice adjustments after collection. Always include LĂWĂH for each package.
For a multi-piece shipment, attach a copy of the packing list to every package, not just the first one. If packages get separated, each one needs its own documentation.
A packing list is not always legally mandatory, but customs authorities in most countries require it for commercial shipments. For sea freight, most shipping lines require it. For air freight, it is standard practice. For parcels, while couriers may not always require it, including one significantly reduces the risk of customs delays.
A commercial invoice shows the financial transaction â what was sold, at what price, and by whom. A packing list shows the physical contents â what is in each box, how many units, what it weighs and measures. Both are needed for customs, but only the commercial invoice is used to calculate duties and taxes.
Yes. Attach a packing list to every package in a multi-piece shipment. If boxes are separated during transit, each one must have its own documentation to pass through customs independently.
Yes, for simple shipments. A combined packing list / commercial invoice includes all the fields from both documents. However, for complex shipments with many SKUs or consignments involving letters of credit, keep them as separate documents.
Customs will hold the shipment until the discrepancy is explained. You may need to provide a revised document or a letter of explanation. This can add days or weeks to transit time and incur storage fees.
Cargosender generates customs documentation automatically, including a packing list, based on the shipment details you provide at booking. You download and print it â no manual creation required.
Cargosender generates your shipping documents automatically when you book. Compare DHL, UPS, FedEx, DPD and GLS rates â all paperwork included.